When planning a family getaway, St. Petersburg, Florida is a great city to consider. Nicknamed St. Pete, St. Petersburg is filled with tourist hot spots, family activities, and sunshine 365 days a year. Whether you are in downtown St. Petersburg or looking for wholesome family recreation, there are a number of things to do in St. Pete that both parents and kids will enjoy.

One of the most popular things to do in St. Pete is visit downtown. Notably, there are many art galleries and entertainment venues. These St. Pete attractions include The Mahaffey Theater complex, the Salvador Dali Museum, the Palladium Theater, and Jannus Landing. In addition, sports fans will enjoy  visiting Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Other family activities include visiting the BayWalk shopping complex and exploring some of Saint Pete’s  beautiful parks. Many downtown parks host annual St. Pete events and festivals like Ribfest and the Warped Tour. A particularly famous attraction is the St. Petersburg Pier, which includes areas for fishing and an aquarium.

Other family attractions in St. Petersburg include kids museums, a plethora of unique places to shop, restaurants, and famous beaches. Children will find great recreation in The Children’s Museum, an interactive museum where kids can play in fake stores, firehouses, and pet clinics. During mealtimes and at night, families can explore 4th street filled with restaurants and nightlife. Visitors must also pay a visit to the beach. In particular, Fort Desoto was ranked as America’s number one beach in 2005 and 2008. Other famous beaches nearby include Treasure Island and Tampa Bay.  Here parents and kids can explore the area and take advantage of scenic photo-ops.

There are also a number of great places to stay in St. Petersburg from the luxurious to surprisingly affordable.  The Vinoy in Downtown St. Petersburg and the Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach are probably the most luxurious, but there are a number of affordable options, both on the beach and in the city that families can choose from.

With so many family attractions in St. Petersburg Florida, it is no wonder why Saint Pete is considered as one of America's greatest tourist vacation spots.